Common Moving Costs

If you’re planning a relocation, you are probably already aware that it will cost a significant amount of money. To effectively plan your budget for moving, there are many expenses to consider.

Removal company

If you plan to hire a removal company, it will be the most significant cost of your move. While it will likely cost you more money than a do-it-yourself move, the exact expense will vary depending on the size and distance of your move, the services you require, and the company you choose. While you should always get an on-site estimate from any company you are considering, the following will give you an idea of what to expect to pay when all is said and done.

Local moves. Moves less than 100 miles are usually considered local moves. Local movers typically charge by the hour, with a standard rate for two movers and a truck. If you require a larger crew or more than one truck, your hourly rate will increase.

Long-distance moves. Long-distance moves refer to any move over 100 miles. Costs are usually calculated based on the weight of your goods or the cubic footage of your shipment, and the distance the movers will be traveling to reach your destination.

Extra services. You may also be charged extra fees for special services you require. Some examples include:

Moving items up and down stairs

Disconnecting or reconnecting appliances

Elevator carries

Long carries

Moving specialty items such as a piano

Storage services

Packing services

Packing supplies--unless you purchase your own supplies, the movers may charge you for boxes, tape or furniture pads.

Be sure to ask your movers detailed questions when they are giving you the on-site estimate to be aware of what services you may need and what the extra charges will be for them.

Rental truck

If you are opting for a do-it-yourself move instead, you will have to consider the cost of the rental truck. Unless you or a mate own a pick-up or large van you can use to haul your belongings to their new destination, you will have to rent a Hertz, Budget, or other moving truck. Prices vary depending on the size of trailer you will need and the distance you will be travelling. Most rental truck agencies charge a flat fee for the day (which will vary based on the truck size) plus a small fee for every mile travelled. Additionally, you will probably have to take care of some fuel costs, as most rental truck companies request that you return the truck with the tank at least half-full.

Packing supplies

If you decide to move on your own, you will have to purchase your own packing supplies. Some common necessities include boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, shrink-wrap, packing peanuts and furniture blankets. Depending on the volume of your belongings, these costs can add up.

You may also need to purchase or rent dollies or other tools to move your furniture and appliances. Add that to the costs for moving blankets, tape, and other protective wrapping, and you can end up spending hundreds of dollars on supplies for just a small to medium-sized move.

You can save money on packing supplies by going to your local grocer or liquor store and asking for free cardboard boxes that they are tossing out. You can also use old towels and quilts in place of moving blankets, and newspaper instead of packing paper to save more money.

Fuel costs

If you will be driving long distance to your new home, you should take fuel costs into account as well. If you’re renting a truck, you will have to return it with at least a half tank of fuel. If you’re driving your own vehicle, you can calculate how much money to allot for fuel based on your car’s usual gas mileage, the cost of fuel in your area, and the miles you will travel. You should also take into consideration that your vehicle may be loaded with belongings, meaning it will burn more fuel than normally.

Travel costs

If you will be on the road travelling to your new home for several days, you will incur costs for food and lodging. You can save money on these expenses by booking hotels in advance—research the accommodations along your route to find the most affordable and easily accessible options (you don’t want to venture too far off your path—you’ll only spend more money on fuel). Packing easy-to-eat meals and snacks for your trip will also limit the amount of money you’ll spend dining on the road. Sit-down meals can become costly—and going through the drive-thru for greasy fast food will take a toll on your stomach!

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